Meet Us

Mark Shields, Senior Designer

Santa Barbara

Mark received his Bachelor of Arts in Art and Architecture from the University of California, Berkeley where he graduated with honors. Mark is a design partner at DesignARC and brings with him a wealth of experience in the design and planning of some of Santa Barbara’s iconic commercial and residential projects including the design and entitlements for some of the city’s more significant new buildings. His keen knowledge of the Mediterranean vernacular has helped him successfully navigate and secure design approval through the notorious Santa Barbara design review boards. His designs and presentation drawings emphasize simplicity with beauty and have helped DesignARC win regional architectural competitions and awards.

In addition to his commercial and civic work, Mark specializes in custom residential design. His design team is responsible for estates in Montecito and Santa Barbara’s Riviera, Upper East and Hope Ranch. Currently his projects include a Mediterranean Villa in Santa Barbara, a Pacific Rim style residence in Ojai, a sustainable off-grid studio at Hollister Ranch in Gaviota and a rustic-modern resort on the beach near San Quintin, Mexico.

Mark spends his free moments biking, surfing with his son, teaching his daughter tennis, and taking his wife Jo on adventures.